REGION- The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association has a few summer tips on keeping your food safe this summer.
- Plan Ahead: Before you start cooking, take the time to plan your meals and make a checklist of the necessary equipment. This will ensure you have everything you need and minimize the risk of forgetting important food safety items.
- Hand Hygiene: Good hand hygiene is crucial for preventing the spread of harmful bacteria. Before and after handling food, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Separate and Store: To avoid cross-contamination, keep raw meats and poultry separate from other foods. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods. Store raw meats in sealed containers or plastic bags to prevent their juices from coming into contact with other foods.
- Temperature Control: Proper temperature control is vital to ensure food safety. When grilling or cooking, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of meat, poultry, and seafood. Cook meats to their recommended minimum internal temperatures: 145°F for steaks, chops, and roasts, 160°F for ground meats, and 165°F for poultry. Remember to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold to prevent the growth of bacteria.
- Outdoor Cooking: If you’re planning an outdoor adventure, consider the following tips:
- Keep it Chilled: When packing perishable foods, use a cooler with ice packs or frozen gel-packs. Make sure to keep the cooler in a shaded area. Discard any leftovers if the cooler no longer has ice.
- Cook over a Controlled Flame: When cooking over an open fire or camp stove, ensure you have a well-controlled flame. This will help you cook food evenly and reduce the risk or burning or undercooking.
- Safe Water Sources: Avoid using water from lakes or streams for drinking or food preparation. Bring bottled or tap water from a safe source to ensure cleanliness.
- Grilling Safety: Grilling is a great summer activity, but it’s essential to follow these guidelines to stay safe:
- Clean your Grill: Over time, grills accumulate food residue, grease, and charred bits from previous cooking sessions. These remnants can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Cleaning the grill helps remove these substances and prevents potential cross-contamination.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill at least 20 minutes before placing food on it. This helps kill any bacteria on the grill grates and ensures that food is cooked thoroughly.
- Safe Grilling: Use separate utensils and plates for raw and cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination. Don’t reuse marinades that have come into contact with raw meats. Grill meats to the appropriate internal temperatures mentioned earlier.
For more information on food safety practices and resources, visit www.michiganfoodsafety.com.
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